Prime Minister James Marape recently opened FOCUS: 50 Years of PNG Through the Lens, a significant photographic exhibition celebrating five decades of Papua New Guinea’s national journey since independence.The landmark event, hosted recently at APEC Haus in Port Moresby, showcases a remarkable collection of images by distinguished photographers Rocky Roe and Dinah Halstead, chronicling the country's evolution from its emergence as an independent nation in 1975 to the vibrant, diverse nation it is today. In his address, Prime Minister Marape warmly welcomed the veteran photographers and expressed deep national gratitude for their lifelong contribution to documenting PNG's history. “To Rocky and Diana, thank you for being back in Port Moresby. More importantly, thank you for sharing your work with our country.” “We sincerely appreciate the last fifty years or so that you both have contributed to the nation by capturing its history.” PM Marape emphasized that the exhibition is more than an art display; it's a visual record reflecting the soul and spirit of PNG. He hoped visitors would appreciate the story of the PNG people, their landscapes, struggles, unity, and resilience, as seen through Roe and Halstead's eyes. The Prime Minister reflected on PNG's historical context and its unique heritage including decolonization where PNG was "among the last—if not the very last—nations to be decolonized, joining the United Nations family of nations on October 10, 1975. Cultural Diversity another unique heritage where Prime Minister Marape stated that in terms of linguistic, ethnic, and cultural diversity. PNG is second to none on the face of the planet. He praised the nation’s founders for successfully fusing this incredible diversity into a single nationhood in 1975. Biodiversity, another unique heritage, sees PNG’s natural richness is equally unmatched, housing between six and seven percent of the world’s biodiversity within its borders. Its waters are home to the richest coral reefs on the planet, and its landscapes contain species found nowhere else. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Marape described Rocky Roe and Dinah Halstead as part of the “Somare generation,” the pioneers, artists, leaders, and citizens who were instrumental in building the nation in its formative years. He stressed the enduring nature of their work stating that the legacy of their work will endure. It will contribute to the continuing discourse of the nation’s character moving forward. To ensure the collection is accessible to future generations, Prime Minister Marape announced the government would explore ways to preserve and digitise the photographers’ work, aiming to store it in the national archives. “I look forward to a time when our schoolchildren can access your work as part of our national heritage so that it becomes part of the perpetual story of our country.” “Our first fifty years as seen through the lens of Diana and Rocky.” The FOCUS exhibition is curated as part of the PNG@50 national reflection series, inviting visitors to journey through half a century of change, from the early years of nation-building to modern transformations. In addition, the Prime Minister found it fitting that the exhibition coincides with the nation’s golden jubilee celebrations, noting that the story of Papua New Guinea is one of resilience, faith, and unity. Rocky Roe and Dinah Halstead have worked in PNG since the early post-independence years, meticulously documenting everything from traditional life to political milestones and cultural change. Their work now forms an integral part of the nation’s visual record. The exhibition is jointly presented by PAWA TV, the Papua New Guinea@50 Secretariat, and APEC Haus.

Police in Western Province have arrested a 34-year-old man from Merauke in the Muting District of District of Indonesia for illegal purchase of eagle wood and being in possession of unlicensed firearms.The suspect was arrested at Nomand Station in Middle Fly District on Tuesday 04th November 2025 following a tip off, according to North Fly acting Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Inspector, Anjap Minata. Inspector Minata pointed out the suspect was located and apprehended by police personnel who were providing security during the 2025 Local Level Government elections. Moreover, Inspector Minata emphasized that Police further discovered the suspect was buying eagle wood for almost six (6) months after being questioned by police. The suspect had been illegally purchasing eagle wood without a business permit to operate. Police later revealed the suspect brought in five rifles into the country. While he possessed one, four were sold to locals while under the pretext of buying eagle wood. Police are currently investigating just how many riffles were brought into the country and to establish facts to see if there are any deals in place. The suspect is in police custody, and he will be charged for being in possession of unlicensed firearms as well. It was further alleged that the suspect gained entry to PNG from the border especially in the Fly Zebo LLG area. The suspect was brought into the Kiunga police station to effect his arrest under the PNG appropriate laws. The police are now appealing to locals who bought those rifles from him to immediately surrender to police as you have no rights to have those riffles in your possession. “You are illegally in possession of them so surrender to the hands of police personnel before they come to your house. It is not hard as we have good law-abiding citizen in the province and with their support, police will come to you, so surrender the riffles,” PPC Minata said. PPC also warned the locals living along the border villages to be mindful of whom they are doing businesses with either domestically or internationally. He said the locals must be mindful and conscious of their conduct and must adhere to the protocols and laws.

Eight people, including a baby, were rescued after sea pirates attacked a passenger boat near Maus Busu along the Lae coast on Tuesday morning.The group was travelling from Voco Point to Siassi Island when armed men ambushed them between 8am and 9am. The attackers fired shots and used bush knives to stop the boat, injuring the skipper. Lae Metropolitan Commander Chief Superintendent Chris Kunyanban described the attack was a cruel act. “These were ordinary people trying to travel safely. The suspects had no respect for life,” he said. “Police will hunt them down and bring them to justice.” The passengers included Salu Trading workers and a police officer’s wife with her baby. The pirates stole K20,000 in cash and assaulted three men before escaping. Witnesses said the attackers later rammed the boat, which sank and left passengers floating in the sea until Water Police arrived to rescue them. Later that night, police caught a suspect believed to be from Korogu and living at Bumbu Settlement. He was shot in the leg while trying to escape and taken to Angau Hospital. Police investigations continue.

Health services in Morobe Province continue to struggle with severe drug and medical supply shortages, affecting hospitals and clinics, including Angau Memorial Hospital in Lae.Morobe Provincial Health Authority (MoPHA) Board Chairman David Wissink said the problem is part of a wider national issue faced by all Provincial Health Authorities (PHA). He explained that since the direct shipment system to Angau started in late 2023, supplies have often arrived incorrectly. “Orders delivered were not the ones we requested, and even when the right drugs came, they were not in the right quantities,” Wissink said. He added that districts still depend on the Area Medical Store system, which causes more delays and confusion. “Sometimes supplies arrive late, or they are not what we ordered. MoPHA has had to use its own limited funds to buy extra drugs,” he said. Wissink said financial support has been slow, with only half of the 2025 operations budget released so far. However, he confirmed that new drug shipments have arrived and are being distributed. He also said Morobe will soon have its own Provincial Transit Medical Store at Angau to improve drug supply and coordination across the province.

Bougainville President, Ishmael Toroama, has outlined his bold vision for Bougainville’s future, focusing on political independence, economic independence, and good governance.He announced all these at the Bougainville House of Representatives during his recent inaugural address at the second sitting. “Let me now focus on what I stand for in this new term of parliament - I campaigned to pursue three main goals in this new term of parliament, which are political independence, economic independence and good governance,” he said. He reiterated that Bougainville’s journey for political independence is very clear – Bougainville voted for independence as provided for in Part 14 of the PNG Constitution, three years was spent consulting as if Bougainville did not know about its future political status, adding that the real question is ‘whether PNG is ready to accept the Bougainville people’s choice.’ “We expect the Melanesian Agreement and the Sessional Order to be the conduit through which the PNG Parliament will endorse the people’s choice,” he said. According to President Toroama, Bougainville must be a Republic in the true sense and not the current hybrid of Presidential system mixed within a Westminster system of government, stressing that President is directly elected by the people and should not have to negotiate with Ministers in the exercise of his mandate. In his statement, President Toroama further mentioned that the journey home must embrace economic independence at all levels, at the family level, the community level and Bougainville as a whole. “At the government level, my government will first of all ensure that Panguna quickly progresses to the next stage of development,” he said. President Toroama further announced the following projects under economic development: - Bougainville Gold Refinery in Arawa will begin operations soon. - Land is fundamental in economic development and the Toroama/Masatt government will explore ways of bringing more customary land into commercial production, adding that the private sector needs to be ready to take advantage of such opportunities. - At the farmer level, people continue to work hard growing cocoa and copra, but the government must do more with these crops, and the excellent cocoa downstream processing research work by the DPI at Kubu must now progress into commercial production. - Fisheries continues to be a sleeping giant but needs to be awakened, and if PNG is serious about economic independence for Bougainville, then it must immediately transfer the foreign investment powers and functions. The third agenda is ‘Good Governance’ and he stated that governance is the foundation of any nation as it is concerned with institutions, systems and processes that regulate the conduct of any nation. “Institutional reform, both in structure and function are necessary to ensure that the administration is aligned with the Republican political system,” he said, adding that the new Bougainville Constitution must ensure this alignment. Furthermore, good governance is achieved through transparent leadership and strong institutions, and President Toroama challenged the leaders to take lead in practicing good governance. “Good governance is not just talk only, we leaders must lead in practicing good governance – compliance is absolute,” President Toroama challenged, further calling on the public servants and citizens to follow the rules and laws of the land. “Leadership must lead by example, and the people will follow.” In presenting his final remarks President Toroama reiterated that the transformation he was advocating for under the three agendas mentioned is not difficult to achieve with co-operation at all levels and roles that leaders and citizens play in Bougainville society. President Toroama reiterated his 100 days plan, adding that the priorities will require coherent political leadership in providing the necessary policy directions for each relevant Department. “I urge the administration through the Chief Secretary and the relevant Heads of Departments to take note of the priorities for the next 100 days as well as the broader priorities stated in this speech and undertake necessary tasks required to achieve all of these during this term of government as we head towards being a sovereign Bougainville,” he said.

A grade-4 student at Koki Primary School named Stanley James from Goilala Central Province was found dead outside Koki Fish Market in Port Moresby, in the morning of Monday November 3rd.The National Capital District (NCD) Criminal Investigating Division (CID) police officers are currently investigating the death of the 14- year- old boy in hopes to determine the cause of Death. The mother of the late Stanley shared their final moment on Sunday 2nd November, where Stanley informed her of leaving for Koki although she did not approve. That moment became their last encounter. The search began in the afternoon after he did not return home. They searched for him in every possible location Stanley where he could be. It was only yesterday that they discovered about his death. "We now leave it to the police to investigate and find out how he died because, at this moment, we are not sure how he died. The police and the doctors will tell us how he died, so we will wait for the results," the mother said. NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Warrick Simatab confirmed that evidence is being collected by police units from possible eyewitnesses to establish the cause of death. Meanwhile, Simitab emphasized on the increasing death toll in the city and is urging the public to be vigilant when out and about. “With the increasing death toll, some people do not have respect for others. Small things can lead to people losing their lives, like not monitoring each family member on how they move around and where they go.” "I am calling on the city residents to be cautious when moving around," Met. Supt. Simatab said. He further added that no suspects had been arrested yet regarding the death of the small boy.

The people are expected to see the public transport fares increase next year (2026) driven by the high cost of operation for maintaining the public transport system.According to the Independent Consumer and Competitions Commission (ICCC), its Draft Report for the 2025 Public Motor Vehicle (PMV) and Taxi Fare Reviews, shows that operation costs for PMVs have increased by more than 60% in the last five years since 2019 while for taxis, it has increased by more than 40% during the same time, with the major cost component for operating PMVs and taxis being fuel cost. Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Associate Commissioner (Resident), Mr. Jack Timi said the draft report contains the ICCC’s preliminary findings and draft determinations for setting the PMV and taxi fares for the next regulatory period (2026-2030). “Most importantly, the draft report contains the proposed PMV and taxi fares that will be applied starting 1st January 2026,” Mr. Timi said. Based on its key findings, the ICCC has proposed that; • PMV fares will be increased by 60%, however, that increase will be implemented in phases by 20% annually for the first three years of the five-year regulatory period. • Taxi fares will be increased by 40% and implemented in phases by 16%, 14% and 10% for the first three years of the five-year regulatory period. • In addition to this upfront increase, fares will be subject to annual adjustments linked to changes in fuel prices and the Underlying Consumer Price Index (CPI). The ICCC has proposed that a 60% weighting in the adjustment formulae will be allocated to fuel reflecting its dominant share in operator costs, particularly PMVs, while the CPI component will represent 40% of the adjusted fares, capturing broader cost drivers. In the meantime, Mr. Timi is urging all PMV and taxi owners, operators, PMV Associations, commuters, Government agencies and the general public to provide their written comments and submissions on ICCC’s Draft Determinations. All the comments and submissions provided will assist the ICCC to complete the review process and release a Final Report before the end of this year, containing the Final Determinations. The new base fares for PMV and Taxi services will apply from 1st January 2026 and adjusted over the next five years

Prime Minister James Marape has commended leaders from West Sepik and East Sepik provinces for their united commitment to advancing the Frieda River Copper-Gold Project.Prime Minister Marape said the leaders’ collective position reflects maturity, unity, and a shared vision for responsible resource development that balances economic opportunity with environmental protection. “I commend the provincial leaders for their joint decision to progress the Frieda River Project,” Prime Minister Marape said. “My government will facilitate the process responsibly and transparently, ensuring that all approvals meet the highest legal, environmental, and community standards.” He reaffirmed that the Government remains fully committed to protecting the environment while moving the project forward. Marape assured the people of Sepik that the Frieda River will be developed to the highest environmental management standards and that the government will not allow any mining activity to harm the Sepik River, which is the lifeline of the region. “This commitment is also personal to me, as my wife’s family comes from the Sepik River and Chambri Lakes area, we will protect the river while ensuring responsible economic development.” Prime Minister Marape described the Frieda River Project as one of three major mines anchoring Papua New Guinea’s northern resource corridor alongside Porgera and Ok Tedi and a key driver of the Government’s plan to responsibly unlock the country’s resource potential. He has directed the Department of Mining to provide a full overview of all major resource projects in the region, including Mount Kare and Kili Teke, to remove non-genuine investors and resolve outstanding legal issues that have hindered progress. “We want credible investors who are ready to responsibly develop our resources,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Now that the Sepik leaders are united on Frieda, the Government will ensure the project is advanced properly and in full compliance with national standards.” Prime Minister Marape also acknowledged West Sepik Governor Tony Wouwou, Public Service Minister and Nuku MP Joe Sungi, Works and Highways Minister and Telefomin MP Solan Mirisim, and Culture and Tourism Minister and Vanimo-Green River MP Belden Namah, as well as other leaders from West and East Sepik, for their maturity, leadership, and cooperation in progressing the Frieda River Project.

Prime Minister James Marape has congratulated the Papua New Guinea Kumuls on their impressive 50 to 18 wins over Fiji, securing their third consecutive Pacific Bowl title at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby. “This is more than a win in sport, it shows the strength of our nation: bold, united, and world-class,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Our Kumuls gave a performance that makes every Papua New Guinean proud.” The Kumuls started the match strong, scoring the first five tries and taking a 30 to 0 lead by halftime. Second-rower Rhyse Martin had a standout game, scoring a try himself and converting all nine goal attempts, finishing with 22 points. Prime Minister Marape praised the team’s depth and teamwork. “Eight different players scored tries, this shows the talent we have in our squad and why the future of rugby league in Papua New Guinea is very bright.” He also acknowledged the visiting Fiji Bati for their strong play. “Playing against tough teams makes us better. Congratulations to Fiji for a good match and for helping strengthen rugby in the Pacific.” The Prime Minister highlighted the broader meaning of the win. “As we celebrate PNG at 50, this victory reflects our nation’s journey, building strength from within, inspiring young people, and showing our presence to the world.” He reaffirmed the Government’s support for rugby league, from grassroots programs to top-level competition. “We are committed to giving our players, coaches, and officials the resources they need to succeed. This win is a milestone, and even bigger milestones are ahead.” Prime Minister Marape also gave special praise to Head Coach Jason Demetriou and the Kumuls coaching team. “Coach Demetriou has created a disciplined and fearless team that all Papua New Guineans can cheer for. Congratulations to him and the coaching staff on this achievement.” He concluded: “To the Kumuls, the fans, families, coaches, and officials, you all played a part in this historic moment. Well done, and may this be the first of many wins to come.”

The BSP Financial Group Limited has delivered another strong financial performance in its Third Quarter 2025 Trading Update and receiving commendation from Prime Minister James Marape. The prime minister described the bank’s performance as a clear sign of investor confidence, economic resilience, and the strength of Papua New Guinea’s banking sector. BSP announced unaudited net profit after tax of K284 million, representing a 22% increase on the same period last year. Total revenue reached K860 million, up 15%, driven by growth across foreign exchange, fee income, and lending, underpinned by strong credit quality and disciplined financial management. Prime Minister Marape said BSP’s results reaffirm that Papua New Guinea’s financial system remains stable and robust, even amid global challenges. “BSP’s strong results are a testament to the resilience of our people, our businesses, and the confidence of investors in the Papua New Guinea economy,” Prime Minister Marape said. “As we celebrate 50 years of nationhood, it is encouraging to see a homegrown institution leading the way in financial innovation and regional expansion while continuing to serve the people and businesses of Papua New Guinea.”

Two men were shot dead at Naru village along the Bruce Jeffcott Highway in Madang after a violent clash between police and armed villagers on Thursday afternoon. According to the Madang National Criminal Intelligence and Transnational Crime Unit, the incident started when a truck carrying tinned fish from Lae to Madang broke down near Naru. Some villagers reportedly looted the container and removed the goods before police arrived. Madang Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Robert Baim, said his officers were attacked when they went to protect the driver and recover the stolen items. “When our team arrived, they were met with armed resistance. The group used homemade guns, wires, spears, and other weapons to attack the officers,” he said. Superintendent Baim warned that anyone using illegal weapons or blocking public roads will face the full force of the law. “Law is there to safeguard everyone. If you go against it, law will go against you with full authority,” he said. He also called on local MPs to support the police with logistics to prevent or stop such incidents from happening. “We are down with resources and need at least one vehicle to do full-time patrol along the highway,” he said. The clash lasted about an hour before reinforcements arrived. The two men were confirmed dead at the scene and their bodies taken to Modilon General Hospital for formalities. Police have launched an investigation into the incident.

President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Ishmael Toroama, has commended Bougainville’s cocoa farmers for their hard work and resilience, which has reinforced the region’s position as the country’s top cocoa producer. President Toroama made this statement at the Bougainville Chocolate Festival held this week in Buka. “Today, Bougainville stands proud as the largest cocoa producer in Papua New Guinea – a title that we held strongly before the conflict and now our farmers have retained that title, demonstrating our commitment to productivity and quality in this industry.” President Toroama highlighted the significant economic impact of the sector, noting that in 2024 alone, Bougainville cocoa farmers earned more than K500 million — a record injection into our local economy. “It was a result of the resilience and hard work of our people, supported by the vision of successive governments that recognized the potential of cocoa to transform our economy.” President Toroama further emphasized that Bougainville’s political independence must be matched by economic independence, outlining two priority goals under his government’s 100-Day Plan. “First, the reclaiming and redevelopment of plantations, so that our land once again becomes productive under Bougainvillean ownership; and second was the establishment of a Bougainville Export Company to take charge of exporting our own commodities, including cocoa, directly to international markets.” President Toroama also acknowledged BACRA’s achievements stating that notable progress is being made in terms of market access with the successful completion of barcoding of our first products including the Bougainville chocolate brand, the cocoa powder and the cocoa butter. “These products are gradually moving into the domestic markets and reaching into Australia, New Zealand, England and other Pacific Island countries.” “These are not small achievements — they represent our ability to add value, to create jobs, and to build wealth from our own resources.” “We will no longer remain just producers of raw materials. We will become manufacturers, exporters, and brand owners of Bougainville’s products,” he added, signaling the government’s commitment to value addition across the cocoa industry. He further praised local entrepreneurs, cooperatives, and private companies highlighting that they are the pioneers of a new Bougainville economy — one based on creativity, discipline, and enterprise. President Toroama encouraged farmers to remain focused on quality and sustainability: “We must not only produce more but we must produce better – our cocoa must meet the highest global standards of quality and sustainability.” President Toroama acknowledged the support of the ABG Department of Primary Industry, along with Australia and New Zealand, for their ongoing contribution to the festival and called on development partners to support the sector further. “As Bougainville’s cocoa continues to gain international recognition as a quality cocoa producing region, I call on your support to this industry, by helping us to build the economic enablers that support it — roads, wharves, power, and market access.” “My government will continue to invest in innovation and knowledge sharing to empower our people – especially our youth to see agriculture as a path to success and prosperity.”